World Health Organization
The World Health Organization Executive Board (WHO EB) is responsible for implementing the decisions and policies established by the World Health Assembly (WHA), which serves as WHO’s principal decision-making body. Each January, during its annual meeting, the WHO EB determines the agenda and drafts the resolutions to be considered at the upcoming WHA.
IADR, along with the FDI World Dental Federation are the only oral health related NGOs in official relations with WHO, delivers statements during this meeting to advocate for the inclusion of oral health research within key agenda items. Some of these interventions are done collaboratively with the FDI World Dental Federation (FDI) and help elevate oral health on the global health agenda and contribute to shaping commitments and international policies that prioritize oral health.
World Health Assembly
The WHA is the decision-making body of WHO and is held annually in Geneva, Switzerland. It is attended by delegations from WHO Member States and, due to IADR’s official relations status with the WHO, we leverage this meeting by delivering statements made in collaboration with the FDI World Dental Federation to influence global policies and commitments on oral health.
United Nations Multistakeholder
IADR actively participates in United Nations multistakeholder hearings as part of the preparatory process for high-level meetings on noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), mental health, and universal health coverage. These forums provide a platform to highlight the role of dental, oral, and craniofacial research in addressing global health challenges. By delivering statements and engaging with international partners, IADR advocates for the inclusion of oral health in UN political declarations and global commitments, ensuring research-informed policy decisions that advance health equity and innovation.
Minamata Convention
IADR supports the global objectives of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, a multilateral environmental agreement that aims to protect human health and the environment from mercury emissions, including the phase down of dental amalgam. As an advocate for evidence-based oral health policy, IADR promotes research and innovation to develop safe, effective, and affordable alternatives to dental amalgam, particularly in low-resource settings. Through engagement with WHO and other stakeholders, IADR contributes scientific expertise to guide implementation strategies that uphold both public health priorities and environmental sustainability.
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